The Humane Society of the United States Offers Reward in Fort Washington, Md., Dog Burning Case

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for ­­­­­­­­­­­­­setting a chihuahua on fire in Fort Washington, Md.

The Case: Prince George’s County Animal Management Division gives the following account: On the morning of June 20, the Prince George’s County Animal Management Division received a call from local police reporting an animal on fire in the 12500 block of Proxmire Drive in Fort Washington. When animal control officers arrived at the scene, the dog—believed to be an older male chihuahua—was dead.

Animal Cruelty: Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.

“Setting an animal on fire is a truly heinous act—and a serious crime in Maryland,” said Tami Santelli, Maryland senior state director for The Humane Society of the United States. “We hope our reward will help find the person who committed this horrible act.”

The Investigators: The Prince George’s Animal Management Division is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Animal Management Division at 301-780-7241. Anonymous tips can be left by calling Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Please refer to case number A12-048611-1.

“Cases like this show a callous disregard for life and the perpetrator represents a threat to both the animals and the people in our community,” said Rodney Taylor, associate director of Prince George’s County Animal Management Division. “We are grateful to The HSUS for their support and hope someone comes forward with information to help us solve this case.”

Resources: The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. To see information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, click here.

Membership

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to The Humane Society of the United States are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390.